President Laura Lamarre Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
The minutes of the March 25 meeting were approved with a correction changing Honda to Hyundai (on a motion and second from Wayne Jenness and Stephen Greene).
Treasurer Greene reported our bank balance unchanged from March, at $2,312.29.
LPD Lt . Dawn Beauchense reported crime activity at the typical low levels downtown. Most of the cases were cleared with suspects and arrests taken. Some of the illicit deeds involved 3 aggravated assaults and and burglaries along with 5 charges of disorderly conduct. There were 2 Tic Tok inspired car breaks, and the lieutenant again advised Kia and Hyundai owners to install steering wheel locks for added deterrence. The 6 vandalism cases varied from barbecue sauce smeared on a door to rocks hurled through windows.
A few comments followed, including a note of gratitude for LPD’s response to addressing piles of trash behind the Saab Building and continued monitoring of conditions at 103 Central Street.
Re: a question about LPD staffing levels, Lt Beauchense indicated a new class with 16 recruits is slated and that the Citizens Academy has started with a new group.
Francesca Cigliana from the city’s Planning Dept gave an overview of Lowell Forward, the city’s updated 10 year planning document. Her power point presentation covered the history of the project and a summary of the key tenets that will guide the next decade of planning and development in Lowell. With respect to growing our downtown neighborhood: mixed use development, mid rise buildings, and improved pedestrian and transit infrastructures are priorities.
Upon approval of the Planning Board and City Council, Lowell Forward will be implemented.
District Councilor Wayne Jenness spoke next with a brief history of Hamilton Canal Innovation District plans and an update of the currently stalled downtown project. The city sold 5 parcels to developer Sal Lupoli in 2020 with the understanding certain parcels would be developed in compliance with a form based plan. To date, only a 6 story garage has been built, leaving 4 lots untouched. The councilor explained that Lupoli is asking for substantial changes to the plans which have left the City Council contemplating whether to agree to the requests or consider terminating the agreement. Wayne asked for input, and the consensus of the meeting was that the city should not yield in its commitment to the original HCID master plan.
Member Steve Cerand, who is active with the Canal Cleaners and acts as liaison to the owners of the canal system spoke next. He mentioned that the Pawtucket Canal ( which runs behind Jackson and Prescott Streets) has been empty for most of the past year for maintenance and unexpected repairs. His latest info is that repairs should be completed by May 17 with the canal to be filled shortly after.
Prior to adjournment, former President Jack Moynihan noted 2 important events for downtown: The Town and City Festival (April 26-7); and The Points of Lights celebration at Ecumenical Plaza on May 11. Member Ken Michienzi invited members to check out ProjectMerrimack.org to learn more about water quality, sewer overflow and untreated waste water levels of our mighty river.
Laura stated there would be no May meeting (due to Memorial Day) and adjourned the meeting at 8:20 on a motion and second from Bob Casey and Steve Cerand.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Casey,
Recording Secretary